Landlords continue to show their support for a petition demanding stronger protections, demonstrating how upcoming reforms in the Renters’ Rights Act have resonated with many in the sector.  It has steadily grown and now has more than 13,600 signatures, above the 10,000 needed to trigger a government response. However, eight days after the target, it has yet to do so.

Beyond the signature count, for landlords and letting professionals, the question is not just whether these changes will happen, but how they might shape their day-to-day business and long-term resilience.

Assessing the petition’s impact

At its heart, the petition calls for an expedited court process for serious rent arrears and anti-social behaviour, a rogue tenant database, and an increase in the tenancy deposit cap. These measures are designed to redress what many landlords view as an imbalance in the proposed overhaul of possession rules.

Implementing an accelerated court process would, in theory, offer swifter recourse when things go wrong. This could improve confidence in the sector, which is already struggling with shortages in court resources and a backlog of cases.

A national rogue tenant database could help landlords make more informed letting decisions, although it would raise serious data protection and GDPR concerns. Defining which tenants merit inclusion would also be a contentious process. Similarly, a higher deposit cap would provide added security for landlords facing significant damage or loss, but such a move would require robust justification amid concerns over affordability.

Adapting for change

Regardless of whether the government acts on these proposals, the trajectory of the private rented sector is clear: greater scrutiny and increased regulation are here to stay, and forward-thinking landlords shouldn’t wait for legislation before updating their approach.

Strengthening your referencing practices remains one of the most effective shields against unnecessary risk. This means not only relying on credit checks, but also verifying previous tenancies, employment information, and considering the value of rent guarantee insurance. If a tenant database is some way off, assembling your own reliable vetting toolkit is crucial.

Essentials of professional management

With reforms on the horizon, effective tenancy management has never been more important. The abolition of Section 21 will place greater weight on record-keeping, communication, and compliance. It means good landlords will need to be proactive in documenting all interactions, maintenance requests, and inspections, helping to build a defensible position should proceedings be required under Section 8.

Embracing digital solutions can streamline these processes and provide a comprehensive audit trail. Not only does this maintain standards, but it can also help avoid legal and financial pitfalls - and may prove invaluable in future disputes.

Focus on what you can control

Now is the time to review your policies, strengthen your tenancy agreements, and stay alert to legislative shifts. It might also be worthwhile utilising reputable letting platforms or getting professional support to stay safe and compliant.